winter weather update

Church family, our hearts are with you. We know many are still navigating the effects of the winter weather—especially those without power or heat. Please know you are deeply loved, prayed for, and not alone. We’re grateful that power has been restored to the church, and we look forward to gathering for worship this Sunday at 10:40 a.m. There will be no Sunday School this week, but we invite you to come a little early and warm up with us at 9:45 a.m. for coffee, hot chocolate, donuts, and shared fellowship. If you’re able to join us, please use caution in the parking lot, as some slick spots may remain. And if you need to stay home, know we understand and are holding you in prayer.

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The Bible

We are distinctively Biblical in our theology and understand that God’s word is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. Current cultural trends are weighed against the testimony of God’s inspired truth.

Worship

We strive to glorify God by enjoying Him in corporate worship. Within our traditional format we delight in lovely music, expository sermons, fresh liturgy, and the regular observance of the Lord’s Supper.

Mission

We exist to love our community, our city and the world! We are eager to spread the good news of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world. Both home and world missions are a vital part of our ministry.

Join us on Sundays at 10:40

Beliefs

We are a Reformed, confessional church grounded in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. See our full statement of faith here.

We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is our infallible and divine authority in all matters of faith and life.

We believe that all people are created in the image of God. Due to our willful rebellion against our Creator, though, all people are sinners and are totally unable to save themselves or even to cooperate with God in efforts to earn their salvation.

We believe in one God, who eternally exists in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). God is the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all things, and worthy of our greatest devotion and obedience.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became man and lived, died, and rose again to save sinners who trust Him alone for their salvation. He is the only mediator between God and man. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, who saves those He draws to Jesus by His Holy Spirit. He convinces them of their sin and enlightens them so that they repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as He is offered freely in the Gospel. Because God alone knows who are His, we call on people everywhere to repent and to trust in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit gives Christians the daily strength and wisdom they need to walk according to His will and to grow in holiness. At the end of the age, Jesus Christ shall return to judge all mankind and to receive His people unto Himself.

SVC Leadership

Rev. Jim Bachmann, Senior Pastor
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Rev. Benny Collins, Assistant Pastor of Outreach/Interim Youth Pastor
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Denise Daniels, Director of Children's Ministries & Parent's Day Out
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Ginger English, Administrative/Financial Assistant
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Travis Lamb, Pastoral Staff–Intern
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Carli Aldridge, Assistant Director of Parent's Day Out
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Sarah Phelan, Communications
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Zach Young, Director of Music Ministries
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John Avery, Church Administrator
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Samara Housley, Nursery Coordinator
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Dr. King Counts, Assistant Pastor
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Sandy Murray, Accompanist & Children's Choir Director
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Mark Warren, Custodian

Join Us For Worship!

Service runs from 10:40-11:45am.
Attire ranges from business casual to more formal.
Expect timeless hymns & choruses with instrument accompaniment.
We primarily teach the Bible verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter, applying the truth to relationships, work, and life.
Connect with our leadership and community after the service. Then, register for Starting Point Class with Pastor Jim to make the most of becoming a member!

Plan Your Visit Here

Rev. Jim Bachmann

Jim has served the Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church (1980–1991), Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville (1991–2016), and Stephens Valley Church, Nashville (2016–present). Jim has been married to his lovely wife, Kristen, for 46 years and is blessed with five grown children and ten grandchildren. He enjoys reading, golf, tennis, snow skiing, landscaping, and dogs!

Rev. Benny Collins

Benny, raised in Greenville, Alabama, came to know Christ early in life. He earned a degree in Psychology and Speech Communications from Troy University in 2004, where he also pastored Central Baptist Church and held leadership roles with Campus Outreach. He completed his Master of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in 2007, then interned with children and youth at Briarwood Presbyterian Church (2007–2008), where he met his wife, Kim. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America, Benny served 16 years in outreach ministry at Evangel Presbyterian Church and has extensive experience with Child Evangelism Fellowship. Benny and Kim have three daughters—Brianna, Kylie, and Mackenzie. 

Denise Daniels

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Denise was educated at Southwest Baptist University and holds a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. She taught elementary school for seven years, preschool for five years, and was a stay-at-home mom for many years. It was during her undergraduate years that Denise met her wonderful husband, Scott, and are blessed with four sons, Drew, Ryne, Joseph, and Benjamin. Denise and the family joined SVC in 2021, and soon after Denise embraced the role of Director of Children’s Ministries where she is blessed to engage with children while serving parents and young families.

Ginger English

Ginger grew up outside of Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Baylor University with a BA in Speech Communications. After attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for one year, she accepted full-time work with Josh McDowell Ministry for over six years before moving to Nashville. Her time in Nashville and Franklin has been filled with being a professional calligrapher and working in various industries administratively. She enjoys being out in nature, nutrition, sports, animals, studying the Word, and quality time with friends.

Travis Lamb

Having studied music at Ole Miss, Travis was later called to the ministry, specifically focusing on the youth of the church. Travis is still heavily involved in the music of the church, directing the Children’s Choir and singing in the Chancel Choir, while also partnering with Dr. King Counts and Rev. Benny Collins to lead in worship. Travis is married to Emily and has three children, Charlie, Patrick, and Liddy.

Carli Aldridge

Carli Aldridge joined the staff at Stephens Valley Church in November of 2022 in the church Nursery and joined the Parent’s Day Out staff in August of 2023. Carli has over 21 years of experience in childcare, and she is passionate about creating supportive, engaging environments where both children and educators can thrive. When Carli is not at work, she is a mom to 4 and a wife to Jesse; they love to spend time outdoors, hiking, paddle boarding, gardening, and baking.

Sarah Phelan

Sarah has worked at SVC since June 2021. Prior to that she worked as webmaster and writer/copy editor at Christ Church Memphis and as a staff editor at R.H. Boyd Publishing Company. She graduated from Austin Peay State University with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in corporate communication. Sarah and her husband, Chad, are middle school sweethearts and have been married since 2004. They have one son, Reed. Sarah’s hobbies include spending time with her family, serving alongside her husband at the church he pastors, and watching college football.

Zach Young

Zach Young became the Director of Music Ministries for Stephens Valley Church in August 2024. Before coming to Nashville, he served in similar positions in Jackson, Lebanon, and McMinnville, Tennessee, La Grange, Kentucky, and Camden, Delaware. A native of Delaware, Zach earned a Bachelor of Music from Bob Jones University and a Master of Church Music from the School of Church Music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Zach and his wife, Stephanie, have three daughters, Olivia, Emma Kate, and Susannah. Zach enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, reading, and exploring all that Nashville has to offer. He is passionate about leading the church in worship through music that proclaims the truths of God with excellence and beauty (Philippians 4:8).

John Avery

John was born in Union City, Tennessee, and grew up in Memphis. He earned a BA and MBA from Memphis State University and worked for Methodist Health Systems. He and his wife, Sarah, married in 1985 and moved to Nashville in 1992. He owned Millennium Medical Trust, a manager of small rural hospitals. Sarah was a residential contractor and retired from a 40+ year career in kitchen and bath design and remodeling in 2017. John retired from a 40+ year career in healthcare management in 2018. They have been members of Stephens Valley Church / Westminster Chapel since October 2, 2016. They enjoy cooking and travel. John enjoys spending as much time as possible hunting and fishing.

Dr. King Counts

King has broad experience of ministry and a warm spirit. As an ordained minister and licensed marriage and family therapist, King is dedicated to being a source of support and guidance for others. He has served in various roles: pastor, therapist, and college instructor, specializing in Bible, theology, and philosophy. He enjoys the loving companionship of his wife, Angela, and has three grown children and twelve grandchildren.

Sandy Murray

Sandy began studying piano at age 7 and was accompanying hymn singing by 13. At 16, she became church accompanist at First Baptist Church of Laplace, Louisiana. In high school, she competed in collegiate and state music competitions and began studying organ at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She earned a degree in organ performance from Mississippi College while serving as organist and children’s music assistant. After returning to New Orleans, she served as organist at two churches. In 2005, she entered the nursing program at the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 2007 and moving to Nashville to work at Vanderbilt Medical Center. There, she felt called to serve as interim music director at Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church. She has since served as music director at East Brentwood Presbyterian, Advent Lutheran, Nolensville First United Methodist, and St. Patrick’s Anglican Church.